Focal goes wireless with new Listen and Spark headphones
The new Focal models hit the shelves in July, along with an updated version of its wired Sphear S headphones...
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Focal has a decent reputation when it comes to headphones, so it's nice to see three more models from the company.
The first is a wireless version of its Listen headphones, the Listen Wireless. The general design of the headphones remains the same, but where the original Listens had a brushed-steel look, the Wirelesses have a scratch-resistant, lacquered, black gloss finish.
They have Bluetooth 4.1 compatibility, with aptX, and can hold eight devices in their memory (with two being able to connect simultaneously). They have a range of about 15m, and Focal claims a battery life of 20 hours.
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The Listen Wirelesses also have an omnidirectional microphone, running Focal's "Clear Voice Capture software" which claims to improve voice clarity, even in noisy environments.
Playback controls and Bluetooth pairing are on the housings, split into three clusters along the headphones.
The Focal Listen Wireless will be available in July, priced at £220.
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Focal has also announced wired and wireless versions of its Spark headphones.
Both headphones feature 9.5mm mylar drivers, aluminium bodies and three-button remote module with built-in microphone, while the wireless versions also have Bluetooth 4.1 support.
The Spark and Spark Wirelesses are available now, in black and silver finishes, for £60 and £90. Blue cobalt and rose gold versions will be available in July.
Focal is also releasing an update for the 2015 Sphear headphones, the Sphear S, which will be available in July for $£110.
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Adam was a staff writer for What Hi-Fi?, reviewing consumer gadgets for online and print publication, as well as researching and producing features and advice pieces on new technology in the hi-fi industry. He has since worked for PC Mag as a contributing editor and is now a science and technology reporter for The Independent.
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